Agenda item

Report of the Chamberlain.

The Committee considered a report of the Chamberlain which provided updates regarding the top risks within the Departmental Risk Register.

The Chairman stressed that the £4.2m available in the Security Priority Investment Pot (PIP) was available both for deficit reduction and new demands. Bids had to include a robust business plan and the pot was not the exclusive preserve of the Police i.e. others across the Corporation involved in security could submit a bid. A Member, also Deputy Chairman of the Police Committee, remarked that the Police, with the help of the Chamberlain’s department and others across the Corporation, were working hard to bring down their deficit and the Transformation programme was seeking further efficiencies over the longer term. He added that the Police were currently running with 80 vacancies and the emerging risk threats were acute and would inevitably draw on resources. The Chairman responded that although he was sympathetic to the needs of the Police, in the first instance, they had to prioritise within their budget - establishing financial rigour and controls should be the primary aim over the coming months and they “can’t simply will extra funding”. He stressed however, that this did not preclude the Police making fresh robust bids against the Security PIP.  

Separately, the Deputy Chairman asked officers to amend the wording on the Brexit risk (CHB FS005), to reflect the uncertain timelines for Brexit. It would be more realistic to push the target date out to later in 2019.

RESOLVED – That the Committee notes the report.